Intelsat 21 makes successful launch

Satellite operator Intelsat has announced the successful launch of Intelsat 21 from the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

The satellite, which launched yesterday at 02:55 EDT, will serve the direct-to-home and cable operators in Latin America. Replacing Intelsat 9, the satellite is designed to provide more than 18 years of service and features C-band services for South America, North America and Europe, and Ku-band services for North America, the Caribbean, Brazil, Europe and Western Africa.

“Intelsat 21 will refresh capacity for Latin America’s premier video neighborhood and will offer vital communications services spanning four continents,” said Intelsat CEO David McGlade. “In addition, Intelsat 21 continues deployment of Intelsat’s Ku-band global broadband mobility platform, designed to support the rapid growth in demand for broadband connectivity for maritime and aeronautical applications.”